Dictionary monolingual
English

Detail

dəˈteɪl
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Detail -

a small individual part or item

Example: The artist paid attention to every detail in the painting.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional discussions
Note: Commonly used to refer to specific elements within a larger context

to describe or explain something thoroughly

Example: Can you detail the steps involved in the process?
Usage: formalContext: technical or instructional contexts
Note: Used when a comprehensive explanation or description is needed

to provide intricate or specific information

Example: The report detailed the financial implications of the project.
Usage: formalContext: business or legal documents
Note: Often used in formal writing to convey specific information

to assign specific duties or tasks

Example: The manager detailed the responsibilities to each team member.
Usage: formalContext: workplace or organizational settings
Note: Used to allocate specific tasks or responsibilities

to clean or polish thoroughly

Example: The car wash detailed the interior of the vehicle.
Usage: informalContext: service industry or personal interactions
Note: Commonly used in the context of cleaning or tidying up

Detail's synonyms

particular

Particular refers to a specific detail or aspect of something.
Example: She pays attention to every particular of the project.
Note: Particular emphasizes a specific aspect or detail within a larger context.

specific

Specific means clearly defined or identified, often referring to a particular detail.
Example: Can you provide more specific information about the incident?
Note: Specific is used to emphasize clarity and precision in describing details.

element

Element refers to a component or part of a whole, often used to describe details within a structure or system.
Example: The design incorporates elements of traditional and modern styles.
Note: Element can imply a fundamental or essential part of something.

aspect

Aspect refers to a particular part or feature of something, especially when considering it in relation to the whole.
Example: The new policy addresses various aspects of employee well-being.
Note: Aspect often highlights a specific perspective or angle of viewing a detail.

facet

Facet refers to a particular aspect or feature of something complex, like a multi-faceted problem.
Example: The issue has many facets that need to be examined.
Note: Facet suggests a distinct side or dimension of a detail, especially in a multifaceted context.

Detail expressions, common phrases

Go into detail

To provide thorough information or explanation about something.
Example: She went into detail about the project timeline.
Note: The phrase emphasizes providing a comprehensive account rather than just mentioning specific aspects.

In detail

To describe or explain something with great attention to specifics.
Example: The report explains the process in detail.
Note: It implies a thorough examination or explanation of each part.

Detail-oriented

To be focused on and attentive to small details and accuracy.
Example: The job requires someone who is detail-oriented.
Note: Focuses on the quality of paying attention to specifics rather than just the concept of detail itself.

Leave out details

To omit or exclude specific information or facts when recounting something.
Example: He left out important details in his explanation.
Note: It suggests intentionally not including specific elements rather than just not focusing on them.

Sweat the details

To pay great attention to small or seemingly unimportant details.
Example: She always sweats the details to ensure everything is perfect.
Note: The phrase emphasizes the effort and concern put into handling even the smallest aspects.

Get lost in the details

To become overly focused on minor specifics to the point of losing sight of the bigger picture.
Example: Don't get lost in the details; focus on the main idea.
Note: It highlights the risk of becoming too absorbed in specific elements, potentially missing the overall context.

Devil is in the details

Small, seemingly insignificant details can cause significant issues if overlooked.
Example: Remember, the devil is in the details, so double-check everything.
Note: The idiom warns about the potential negative consequences of neglecting small particulars.

Detail everyday (slang) expressions

Nitty-gritty

Nitty-gritty refers to the most important, basic, or practical aspects of a situation.
Example: Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and figure out the details of the project.
Note: It conveys a sense of getting to the essential points or core details.

Ins and outs

Ins and outs refer to the detailed or intricate aspects of a subject or situation.
Example: Before starting a new job, it's important to learn all the ins and outs of the company.
Note: It emphasizes understanding all the specific details and complexities involved.

Nuts and bolts

Nuts and bolts refer to the practical or essential aspects of how something works or is done.
Example: She explained the nuts and bolts of setting up a successful business.
Note: It highlights the fundamental operational details of a system or process.

Nose to the grindstone

Having your nose to the grindstone means working hard, with focused dedication and attention to detail.
Example: She's got her nose to the grindstone, meticulously working on the project details.
Note: While it doesn't directly refer to 'details,' it implies a high level of diligence and meticulousness in work.

Navel-gazing

Navel-gazing means excessive self-absorption or focusing on oneself rather than important matters or details.
Example: Stop navel-gazing and start paying attention to the important details of the presentation.
Note: It suggests a negative connotation of being overly self-focused and neglecting important details or tasks.

In the weeds

Being in the weeds means being too focused on small details or minor issues, losing sight of the main objective.
Example: We're getting caught up in the weeds with all these minor details; let's focus on the big picture.
Note: It implies getting overly involved in insignificant details that obstruct progress or understanding.

Down to the wire

Down to the wire means approaching a deadline or end point, often with a focus on completing all details.
Example: We're down to the wire with this project deadline, ensuring every detail is perfect.
Note: It emphasizes the crucial stage where all final details are being attended to before completion.

Detail - Examples

The devil is in the details.
She described the scene in great detail.
The painting was admired for its intricate details.

Detail grammar

Detail - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: detail
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): details, detail
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): detail
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): detailed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): detailing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): details
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): detail
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): detail
Syllables, Separation and Stress
detail Contains 2 syllables: de • tail
Phonetic transcription: di-ˈtāl
de tail , di ˈtāl (The red syllable is stressed)

Detail - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
detail: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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